Weather
This forecast was created at 7 a.m. PST on Tuesday, March 4, 2025
A stormy pattern continues across the Golden State this week, with moderate snowfall totals expected over the higher elevations and even more potential snow by early next week. Overall, multiple waves of moisture will provide fresh snow for many ski areas, with generally cooling temperatures and gradually lowering snow levels through Thursday. A brief break may arrive later Friday and Saturday before the potential for another significant system arrives Sunday night into early next week.
The Tuesday night–Thursday storm will bring widespread snowfall across California’s higher terrain, with snow levels starting around 6,000-7,000 ft on Wednesday and dropping to about 3,000-5,000 feet by Thursday morning. Most resorts can expect initial moderate snowfall rates on Wednesday, with a second pulse of energy enhancing snow showers into Thursday morning. Snow quality should improve as colder air filters in, leading to snow ratios around 10:1 to 15:1 in many places. Winds may be gusty at times, which could affect upper-mountain conditions, but the main story is the fresh coverage for midweek turns.
Snow showers will taper off from late Thursday into Friday, though lingering convective bursts could still produce a quick inch or two of fluff in spots. Snow ratios may climb above 14:1 in the cooler air, offering lighter, drier accumulations where these localized showers set up. By Friday afternoon into Saturday, conditions look quieter with a temporary break in precipitation, although some high clouds may hint at the next system on the horizon.
Looking ahead to Sunday night–Tuesday, guidance suggests another surge of moisture that could bring heavier totals back to the Sierra and southern mountains. This next round may favor the higher elevations again, with snow levels potentially remaining low if the colder trend continues. Fresh accumulations could enhance conditions for early next week, depending on the exact storm track and intensity. In the broader picture, through the coming seven days, temperatures below normal and above normal precipitation will likely appear across much of California, so active weather patterns are set to persist at least through mid-March.
Resort Forecast Totals
- Mammoth – 8–13 inches Wed (03/05) – Fri (03/07)
- Kirkwood – 7–11 inches Tue night (03/04) – Thu night (03/06)
- Sugar Bowl – 5–8 inches Wed (03/05) – Thu night (03/06)
- Heavenly – 4–8 inches total (3–6 inches Tue night (03/04) – Wed night (03/05) + 1–2 inches Thu (03/06) – Fri (03/07))
- Palisades Tahoe – 4–7 inches Wed (03/05) – Thu night (03/06)
- Mt Rose – 3–5 inches Wed (03/05) – Thu (03/06)
- Northstar – 1–3 inches Wed (03/05) – Thu (03/06)
